It is actually the greedy landlords who are to blame. Rents are so high that it is very hard for the small businesses to remain sustainable. Chain stores are the only ones who can afford the rents. While I am not a fan of Austin Street becoming a mall, I would rather have a quality chain rather than an empty storefront. Having rows of empty stores is more detrimental then rows of chains.

I agree, however this proves my point in a way. I am sure with as many independant owners who over extend themselves on Austin Street, there are also many responsible ones who know they cannot afford the rent. Then they open up shop on Metropolitan where the numbers make more sense.

High rents can't be all to blame. Please explain to me why great mom-and-pop restaurants can open up in pricey Park Slope, Williamsburg, Astoria, East Village, etc., while pricey Austin St. is overrun by chains. It must be the suburban mentality of FH residents, who are too conservative to take a chance on anything new.

There are a lot of old school conservatives certainly, but there has been new blood moving in. Look at how popular and successful La Boulangerie is and how excited everyone has been with the opening of Jack and Nellie's. I think the neighborhood is becoming more progressive.